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Puli

The Puli is an agile herding breed that requires plenty of exercise.
Their unique coat can be corded or brushed out.


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Breed Facts
Active:
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Affectionate:
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Friendly:
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Pet Friendly:
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Protective:
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Physical Characteristics
  • Medium-sized, sturdy, powerful build
  • Medium-boned body is square-shaped and fairly muscular
  • Curly or wavy outer coat
  • Undercoat is soft, wooly and dense
  • Coat can be corded or brushed out. Corded requires clumps matting together into dreadlock-like cords
  • Medium-sized eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped
  • Height: 16-18 inches
  • Weight: 20-35 pounds
  • Average lifespan: 12-13 years
Temperament
  • Vivacious, happy disposition, smart, mischievous, curious, willful, loyal, adaptable
  • Interaction with people: Excellent family dog; good with children. Reserved with strangers
  • Interaction with animals: Good with other pets; may be aggressive with unfamiliar dogs
  • Training: Easily trained
  • Barking: Moderately vocal
  • Protection: Good watchdog
Medical Conditions
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
  • OK for apartments
  • Suited to all climates
  • Fairly active herding dog
  • Many enjoy water and are good swimmers; must be supervised at all times if swimming
Grooming
  • Light-shedder
  • May keep coat clipped short for easy grooming
  • Corded coat begins forming at about six months; check regularly for mats and clumps at this stage, and separate by hand
  • In general, coat sections should be no thinner than a pencil
  • Must dry coat thoroughly after bathing to prevent mildew from forming
  • Clean eyes and ears regularly
  • Keep nails clipped
Other Facts
  • The word "Puli" means "leader" in Hungarian
  • Agile sheep-herders - could turn a sheep by jumping on its back
  • Retains a puppy-like demeanor all its life
  • Though cords hang in front of their eyes, they don't impede vision at all
Breed History
  • Originated in Hungary in the Middle Ages
  • Traces back 2,000 years in Asia
  • Evidence suggests a related breed existed 6,000 years ago
  • Introduced into Hungary about 1,000 years ago; used as sheepdogs
  • Black color was desirable because it could easily be spotted among sheep
  • By World War II, the Puli was nearly extinct, with less than 100 left
  • The early 1900s saw efforts to resurrect the breed
  • Brought to the U.S. in 1935
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Puli Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit PCA Rescue